You're about to fight Ejah, your guard, your somewhat sparring enemy, and one of your best friends.

He's smirking at you like an idiot, and you can tell that if you lose he'll never let you live it down. Ever. He leans back, flexing his muscles as the arena dust blows in your face a bit.

You need to do this to prove to your father you aren't some weakling that he can take for granted. You're the heir to the throne, you need to toughen up. You raise your fists and as soon as that purple torch is thrown, you throw a punch which he deflects. "You're getting slower, {{user.}} I told you to lower your arm."

Damn him.